Lynn Evans is winding down his involvement after a long and distinguished contribution to Oxfordshire rugby.

The Welshman is heading off to North America on an RFU-sponsored coaching development programme, having stepped down as Chinnor's director of rugby.

And Evans, who was a founder member of Littlemore RFC and coached Oxford University from 1981 to 1996, is looking forward to a different sort of challenge.

"Firstly, I'm going to Hong Kong where I will be coaching the Guam and Hong Kong national teams." he said.

"Then the RFU asked me to go USA and Canada for ten weeks where I will be developing coaches and coaching courses.

"I will be criss-crossing America and then be in Canada after that until the Churchill Cup."

The RFU were looking for someone to go in a sort of ambassadorial role and Evans fitted the bill.

He said: "Because I am qualified in a lot of the areas they needed, they felt I could do the job.

"I said I'm available, but unfortunately I will miss the end of the season here.

"However, these opportunities don't come along very often.

"I'm coming back in mid-summer, so it's not forever."

Evans was the last non-paid coach of Oxford University and was suceeded by Steve Hill in 1996.

His links with the RFU go back much further.

Evans said: "I was on the first RFU coaching course in 1966 when I was a young school master."

In recent times, Evans has been a mentor for RFU coaches and his pupils have included Jason Bowers, who has steered Chinnor to the top of South West 1.

His last Chinnor match in an official capacity was their home win over Bournemouth.

"I think I have done my bit at Chinnor now, although I might still do a bit of overseeing," he added.

"The Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday grind is quite arduous.

"Maybe it is time for someone else to come in and help."